Syracuse University’s Sexual Assault Support Services offers advocacy and help to survivors of sexual violence

Syracuse University’s Sexual Assault Support Services offers advocacy and help to survivors of sexual violenceFebruary 20, 2008Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Syracuse University offers survivors of rape and sexual assault a full suite of confidential, round-the-clock support and advocacy services through the newly named Sexual Assault Support Services (formerly the University R.A.P.E. Center), which can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 443-7273, or in person during business hours at 111 Waverly Ave.

As before, SU community members who are survivors of sexual assault will receive responsive advocacy during business hours from professional staff via Sexual Assault Support Services. After-hours service provided by Sexual Assault Support Services remains the same as before: survivors are connected to the spectrum of advocacy services provided through a partnership between SU and Vera House, Inc., which is staffed by a team of trained volunteer advocates. The work of supporting survivors includes helping them make medical, legal, counseling and academic choices after an assault.

“Advocating for survivors is at the core of the Office of Prevention Services’ mission,” says Sarah M. Mart, director of the Office of Prevention Services (OPS). Sexual Assault Support Services is a primary component of OPS. “As we expand the Office of Prevention Services’ mandate to include not only rape but also other forms of sexual and relationship violence, we will remain committed to providing the best education, advocacy and support for students who are assaulted.”

A principal unit of Syracuse University’s Division of Student Affairs, OPS is SU’s center for rape and sexual violence crisis response services; alcohol and other drug abuse intervention; and community prevention education initiatives. In addition, OPS continues to strengthen its relationships with community support organizations like Vera House, the Syracuse Partnership for Violence Prevention, the Syracuse Area College Community Coalition Against Alcohol Abuse, the Syracuse/Onondaga Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission and other entities with expertise in prevention.

Students can access Sexual Assault Support Services by calling 443-7273, 24hours a day, 7 days a week. OPS can be reached at 443-4234 or online athttp://students.syr.edu/prevention.